of Melrose, Roxburghshire

Seal impression (cast)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Cokete Seal of Melrose in Roxburghshire, dating to the 14th century. This type of seal was used by custom officials, attached to goods entered at the local custom house in Melrose.

The seal depicts a shield with the Royal Arms. The inscription '+ S' COKETE REGALITATIS SANCTE MARIE DE MELROS' translates as 'Cokete seal of the regality of St Mary of Melrose'.

Functioning as centres of local government, burghs had their own seals which were used on documents to represent identity, authority and status. As on coats of arms, the images indicate aspects of the burghs' origins and activities.

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Online ID:	000-180-001-761-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland K.1999.805
Date:	Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: 14th century
Material:	Sulphur; brown. Inscription: + S' COKETE REGALITATIS SANCTE MARIE DE MELROS
Dimensions:	66 mm D
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the Cokete Seal of Melrose, depicting shield with the royal arms, 14th century
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 51, no 7 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 51, no 7.
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